Question

Describe how a pyramidal peak is formed.

Answer 1

• Ice accumulates in the pre-existing depressions/hollows on the mountain top.
• Ice exerts pressure on the hollows.
• Plucking action of ice enlarges the hollows allowing more ice to accumulate.
• Freeze and thaw action leads to expansion of the hollows making them large basins called cirques.
• Nivation acts on the back wall of adjacent basins making them recede into the mountain side.
• Steep knife edged ridges called arêtes are formed which separate the basins.
• Three or more of these ridges converge at the mountain top forming a sharp and steep pointed peak called a pyramidal peak.